Winnipeg or Manitoba?

There have been a lot of rumors going around that True North Sports and Entertainment who are trying to bring the NHL back to Winnipeg, are interested in keeping the name Manitoba Moose from their current "AAA" team in the American Hockey League, or at least keeping the Manitoba moniker.

The fact is this idea just isn't popular. Read anywhere online, and there is just about no one supporting the Manitoba idea. It simply comes down to the fact that all these years it has been Winnipeg trying to get their team back, not Manitoba.

1. Jets

The most popular name idea for the team is obviously the Jets. For nostalgic reasons everyone in Winnipeg would love to see their childhood team once again hitting the ice against teams like the Oilers or Los Angeles, cheering on the Jets in a sea of white.

It was the name of the team that Winnipeg came together around from 1972 to 1996 and brought a lot of happy memories: 3 Avco Cups, Teemu Selanne's rookie year, the Golden Jet and the famous White Outs.

2. Falcons

This name has been going around the Internet for a while now and has a lot of people liking the sound of it.

Many people say that if Winnipeg was to acquire a new NHL franchise, it would be best for a new start. A new beginning would separate the new team from the Jets, who despite having some great memories, were never able to really win in the NHL and saw not so great fan support in the final few seasons while players were being sold off for loonies.

Falcons would be a great new start. It is sticking with the bird name from the Thrashers and it was the name of the team that Winnipeg was represented by all the way back to the 1920's, when they won a Gold Medal. Plus the name isn't too over the top and could be seen years from now.

Honestly, names like the Predators or Thunder (NBA) are just silly.

My say: Great for a fresh start

The photo has been going around with the name idea of the Falcons becoming for and more mentioned in the media. Looks too similar to the old Capitals logo to me.

3. Thrashers

Keeping the name of the Atlanta Thrashers?

I kinda like it.

Many people would not be a fan of this, but Calgary kept the Flames name when Atlanta lost their NHL team back in 1980.

Currently, there is already a team in Winnipeg called the Thrashers, the current national midget champions that just beat out London for the Telus Cup. This means the people of Winnipeg are already used to the name Winnipeg Thrashers.

My say: Okay

I like this idea more then the next one, which seams to be getting mentioned more and more...

4. Moose

According to a few sources, True North Sports and Entertainment likes the idea of bringing the Moose brand into the NHL if they are successful in landing an NHL franchise.

I hate this idea, and so do many others in Winnipeg.

Everyone appreciates the Moose for bringing great hockey to Winnipeg in the absence of the NHL and developing many players that are now helping the Vancouver Canucks go deep into the Stanley Cup playoffs. However, if Winnipeg does get an NHL team, the Moose will no longer be needed.